SEX OFFENDER RISK ASSESSMENT, SOURCES OF VARIATION AND THE IMPLICATIONS OF MISUSE

Course overview

This course is based upon material published in the journal Criminal Justice and Behavior by Sage Publications on behalf of the International Association for Correctional and Forensic Psychology (IACFP). This course, including the continuing education credits are offered free of charge as a benefit to all IACFP members. Abstract: The current study examines whether or not prosecutors in New Jersey are properly using the states sex offender risk assessment tool, and the implications of improper implementation. All prosecutors and public defenders who handle Megan¿s Law cases in New Jersey participated in two confidential surveys. The results of those surveys were used to score a fact pattern. Results reveal that prosecutors are not consistently implementing risk assessment, that there are several sources of disparities, and that these disparities can result in substantial variation in risk assessment scores. The implications of these disparities are that offender risk is often over classified, thereby increasing offender supervision costs, and potentially compromising public safety. The authors make recommendations for formal training on the proper use of risk assessment tools, as well as an assessment supervision plan. Although this research was conducted in New Jersey, the findings have implications for risk assessment tools employed by other jurisdictions. Forensic and clinical psychologists can benefit from this course. In addition, this course is appropriate for social workers and professional counselors, especially those interested in forensic psychology or those who work within the criminal justice system. This course is appropriate for intermediate and advanced level practitioners who wish to enhance their knowledge of sex offender risk assessment. Authors: Lanterman, Boyle and Ragusa-Salerno Learning Objectives: This course will provide the practitioner with detailed information regarding the use of sex offender risk assessment. Specifically, a professional will: Identify sources of disparity in the implementation of risk assessment. Describe how offender risk assessment may be over classified and implications of this. Describe recommendations for the proper use of risk assessment tools. Come visit us on the web at www.ce-classes.com